Macomb LCN senior excels as a gymnast

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North senior and Chesterfield Township resident Paige Zaziski has accepted a gymnastics scholarship to the University of Arkansas. Zaziski is pictured during a recent competition.

Photo courtesy Paige Zaziski

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Chesterfield Township resident Paige Zaziski has made quite a name for herself as a gymnast.

A senior at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North, Zaziski was named first All-Around Gymnast at the 2014 Region 5, Level 10 Regional Gymnastics Championships April 11-13 in Dimondale, Michigan. Zaziski, 17, placed first on the balance beam, third on the bars, fifth in the floor exercise and sixth on the vault in the level 10 competition. Zaziski will now compete in the Women’s Junior Olympic National Gymnastics Championships May 7-11 in Jackson, Mississippi.

This will be Zaziski’s fifth time showcasing her talents in the Junior Olympic championships in her 10 years of competing.

“I always have a lot of fun competing,” Zaziski said. “It’s something I’ve done for most of my life, and I just try to enjoy each competition and have some success.”

Level 10 is the highest level in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events. Zaziski captured level 10 state and regional finals in 2012 and 2013. Region 5 includes gymnasts from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky.

Her performances led to Zaziski receiving and accepting a scholarship to the University of Arkansas. The LCN senior, who trains at the Hunts Gymnastics Academy in Harrison Township, also had offers from the University of Michigan and the University of Missouri.

“Just being at Arkansas for visits, it felt like home to me,” said Zaziski, who has taken part in competitions across the United States and competed in Belgium and London as a member of an all-star team. “The school has a good program. I knew I wanted to be a Razorback the first time I stepped on the campus.”

Even though there are elements of isolation when competing, Zaziski said she enjoys showing off her talents. She said the wealth of experience she’s gained in competing since she was 7 years old helps her to block out any possible distractions.

“I just try to perform to the best of my capabilities and focus on the task at hand,” Zaziski said.

Zaziski is set to embark on a new chapter in life and as a gymnast when she moves on to Fayetteville, Arkansas. She said she will have some fond memories she will always keep with her.

“The experiences I’ve had traveling and the relationships I’ve built with so many different people have been great,” Zaziski said. “Everything has been so much fun. Hopefully, that continues.”